Combination purse and computer

ABSTRACT

Combination purse and mini-notebook computer where a flexible outer covering is held in place be an outer zipper. The hinge of the computer is offset so that a space remains between the screen and the keyboard. First and second inner panels are hingedly joined along one horizontal edge. The first inner panel is joined at its opposite edge to the outer covering. The first and second inner panels can reside within the space between the computer screen and the keyboard. Then inner panels are retained in place over the computer screen and the keyboard by an inner zipper which connects the panels to the inside perimeter of the flexible side walls of the outer housing. The panels include slots for credit cards and the like. The panels can be folded up and away from the computer screen and keyboard which allows for an upright, readable screen.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of carry bags and more specifically to a combination purse and computer.

There is a long tradition in the world of women, and some men carrying purses to hold items such as credit cards, keys, cell phones and the like.

Additionally, computer devices are becoming ever smaller, going from table top to lap top to mini-notebooks.

Purses have been designed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some have been designed to carry a minimum amount of items and are relatively small. A common name for this type of purse is a dutch. The clutch can have one short strap handle for carrying with one hand, or can have a shoulder strap.

Laptop computers are commonly carried in padded carry cases, usually made of nylon or polyester.

However, no one to date has effectively combined the features of a small purse with the features of a small computer so that they can be carried in one integrated holder.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide the features of a purse and combine them with the features of a small computer into one integral unit.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed combination purse and computer comprising: a computer having an LCD screen panel hingedly attached to a keyboard panel, a flexible outer covering for said computer, a first inner panel, a second inner panel, an outer zipper, an inner zipper, at least one of strap retaining ring, said hinge of said computer offset so that when said panels are in the closed position, a space remains between said screen panel and said keyboard panel, said flexible outer computer covering including flexible side panels that are bisected by said outer zipper and are removably retained by said outer zipper, said first and second inner panels hingedly joined along one horizontal edge, said first inner panel joint at its opposite horizontal edge to the top edge of said outer covering, said first and second inner panels capable of residing within the confines of said space created between said computer screen panel and said computer keyboard panel, said first and second inner panels removably retained in place over said computer screen and said keyboard by said inner zipper which connects the outside perimeter of said panels to the inside perimeter of said flexible side walls of said outer housing, said first and second inner panels including standard retaining slots for credit cards, drivers license and passport, said first and second inner panels capable of being folded up, over and away from said computer screen and said keyboard so that said computer can be used in a standard way, one outer surface of said outer covering including integral pockets for holding a cell phone and car keys, and said strap retaining ring attached to at least one outer corner of said outer covering allowing a hand strap or a shoulder strap to be attached.

An alternate embodiment includes a combination purse and computer wherein the housing is made of a single flexible rectangular panel that is folded in upon itself and held closed by a standard fastener set such as a snap, magnet, or hook and loop type fastener. One version of the alternate embodiment uses a cell phone screen in place of a standard computer screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention in the open position with internal panels in place.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention with panels folded up and over, exposing computer screen and keyboard.

FIG. 4 is a side section view of the invention in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a side section view of the invention in the open position with panels in place over screen and keyboard.

FIG. 6 is a side section view of the invention in the open position with first panel folded up.

FIG. 7 is a side section view of the invention in the open position with first and second panels folded up and over.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention in the closed position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention in the open position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention that uses a cell phone screen as a computer screen.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the alternated embodiment of the invention with the screen turned one hundred and eighty degrees.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a perspective view of the invention 100 in the closed position. The outer cover is comprised of a front half 4 and a back half 2 that are joined together by side wall 3 and removably attached to each other by outer zipper 16. Zipper 16 can be opened by pulling standard zipper pull tab 18. Attachment rings 10 allow a hand strap, not shown or a shoulder strap 14 to be attached for carrying purposes. Outer pockets 6, 8 have standard closures such as a zipper 46. The pockets 6, 8 can be used to store a cell phone, or car keys or other items that people normally carry when out of the house. Strip 12 is formed into a loop and attached to the spine portion of outer cover 2, 4 and can be used to hold a lipstick container.

Referring now to FIG. 2 we see a perspective view of the invention 100 in the open position. Interior first panel 22 is joined at its top edge to the inner edge of outer cover 4 and at its bottom edge is hingedly joined to second panel 20. Both first panel 22 and second panel 20 are attached by inner zipper 24 at their perimeters to the inside of perimeter of outer cover 2, 4. Each panel 20, 22 has pockets built in to accommodate credit cards, license, passport, and other relatively flat items.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the invention 100 with panels 20, 22 folded up and over to reveal a keyboard 34 and a screen 32 of a mini-notebook computer. First panel 22 is shown as being attached to the inside of outer cover 2 by flexible hinge member 30. First panel 22 and second panel 20 are in closed proximity to each other via hinge portion 38. Inner zipper parts 24A and 24B can be seen in the separated position. In this position, the user can take advantage of the standard computer features found in the mini-notebook computer 32, 34.

FIG. 4 shows a side section view of the invention in the closed position. Hinge pin 36 can be seen holding the keyboard portion 34 and the screen portion 32 together. The area near the hinge portion 36 is designed to be offset so that there is a space between the screen surface 32 and the keyboard portion 34 when the. This space enables a place for panels 20, 22 to reside when the computer is in the closed position.

FIG. 5 shows a side section view of the invention in the open position with panels 20, 22 in place just above screen keyboard 34 and screen 32. This configuration allows the invention to act as a purse that holds flat items such as credit cards, drivers license and passport.

FIG. 6 shows a side section view of the invention where panel 20 is folded up via hinge portion 38 as shown by direction arrow 40.

FIG. 7 shows a side section view of the invention where panels 20 and 22 are folded up and over as shown by direction arrow 42 thereby revealing the computer screen 32 and keyboard 34. In this configuration, the invention can be used as a mini-notebook computer. The keyboard 32 and cover 2 sit on ground plane 44. Folded panels 20, 22 touches ground plane at folded hinge portion 38 to stabilize screen portion 32 during use in computer mode.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention 200 in the closed position. Strap 202 is attached to a purse shaped assembly defined by front wall 216 which wraps around and under the assembly 200 to form rear wall 206. A pocket 204 capable of removably receiving a standard cell phone is fixedly attached to front wall 216.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the alternated embodiment of the invention 200 in the open position. A single strip of flexible material, such as leather, comprised of panels 206, 216, 218 and 210, unfold to reveal a keypad 208 and a computer screen 212. Panel 210 includes pockets 214 that can hold credit cards and other electronic transaction cards. The entire assembly 200 can be fastened to remain dosed by use of standard fasteners such as snaps, magnets or hook and loop material. One fastener, not shown, is located on the outwardly facing wall of panel 206. A mating fastener, not shown, is located underside of panel 218. Zipper members 220, 222, when unzipped, allow the user to twist the entire screen 212 one hundred and eighty degrees about flexible fabric member 224 so that the screen can be viewed from the rear as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a variation of the alternate embodiment 300, where a cell phone having a full color viewing screen 302 has been inserted into cell phone pocket 204 as shown in FIG. 8. The viewing screen 302 takes the place of the larger computer screen 212 shown in FIG. 9, thereby making the entire assembly 300 thinner and lighter. A wireless transmitter sends the necessary signals from the keyboard 208 to the cell phone computer screen 302. Obviously a wired connection from the screen 302 to keyboard 208 is also an option.

Another embodiment includes the possibility of having a second aperture in pocket 204 as shown by dotted line 205, that is located on the outside surface 216 of the invention. This aperture 205 would allow a person to view the screen 302 of the cell phone while the combination computer and purse 100 is in the closed position.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. combination purse and computer comprising: a computer having an screen panel hingedly attached to a keyboard panel; a flexible outer covering for said computer; a first inner panel; a second inner panel; an outer zipper, an inner zipper, at least one strap retaining ring; said hinge of said computer offset so that when said panels are in the closed position, a space remains between said screen panel and said keyboard panel; said flexible outer computer covering including flexible side panels that are bisected by said outer zipper and are removably retained by said outer zipper, said first and second inner panels hingedly joined along one horizontal edge; said first inner panel joint at its opposite horizontal edge to the top edge of said outer covering; said first and second inner panels capable of residing within the confines of said space created between said computer screen panel and said computer keyboard panel; said first and second inner panels removably retained in place over said computer screen and said keyboard by said inner zipper which connects the outside perimeter of said panels to the inside perimeter of said flexible side walls of said outer housing; said first and second inner panels including standard retaining slots for credit cards, drivers license and passport; said first and second inner panels capable of being folded up, over and away from said computer screen and said keyboard so that said computer can be used in a standard way; one outer surface of said outer covering including integral pockets for holding a cell phone and car keys; and said strap retaining ring attached to at least one outer corner of said outer covering allowing a hand strap or a shoulder strap to be attached.
 2. A combination purse and computer as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an additional flexible strip is formed into a U shape that it forms a lipstick holding loop when attached to the spine portion of said outer covering.
 3. A combination purse and computer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer covering is constructed of leather.
 4. An alternate embodiment of the combination purse and computer as claimed in claim 1 wherein a single rectangular panel of flexible material folds over on itself to form a purse-like shape and when unfolded reveals said keyboard and said computer screen affixed to the inside wall of said rectangular strip.
 5. An alternate embodiment of the combination purse and computer as claimed in claim 4 wherein a cell phone screen is substituted for said standard computer screen; said cell phone fitting into a pocket affixed to the outside wall of said rectangular panel; said pocket having a rectangular aperture large enough to allow said cell phone screen to be viewed.
 6. An alternate embodiment of the combination purse and computer as claimed in claim 5 wherein said pocket includes a second rectangular aperture opposite to said first aperture allowing a user to view said cell phone screen while said combination purse and computer is in the dosed position.
 7. An alternate embodiment of the combination purse and computer as claimed in claim 5 wherein hinge portion between said keyboard and said computer screen includes a pair of zippers that when unzipped can allow said screen to be twisted one hundred and eighty degrees. 